Ceyx was a hospitable man and a king in Thessaly. His wife, Alcyone, was the daughter of Aeolus, King of the Winds. Ceyx and Alcyone were deeply in love and hardly ever apart. Ceyx decided he must make a long journey across the sea to visit an oracle. Alcyone was afraid when she learned of his plans, for she knew how dangerous it could be.
Ceyx insisted that he must make the trip, and he sailed off as his wife watched. That night, a storm broke out and Alcyone feared for the worst. In a dream, it was revealed to her that her husband had drowned in the storm. When she awoke, she went to the shore and saw Ceyx's dead body floating in the water.
She ran into the water to be with him, but instead of sinking and drowning, she was changed into a bird, a kingfisher. The same thing happened to Ceyx, and they flew off together, never to be separated again.
In the winter, there are seven days of calm when there is no fear of storms. These are the days known as Alcyone, or Halcyon Days. Alcyone the sea bird can safely take care of her young during these peaceful days each year that occur around the winter solstice.
Allusions, Word Origins, and Other Interesting Facts
The term "halcyon days" has its origin in this myth. It refers to a time of peace or tranquility.
The scientific name for the kingfisher bird is taken from the myth.
The Halcyon Theatre in Chicago takes its name from the myth. The website has both a summary and longer version of the Ceyx and Alcyone story.
Sources
The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language. Fifth ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2011. Print.
Hamilton, Edith. Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes. New York, NY: Warner, 1999. Print.
Ovid, and Rolfe Humphries. Metamorphoses. Bloomington: Indiana UP, 1955. Print.
by Mr. Rude
Summary
Ceyx was a hospitable man and a king in Thessaly. His wife, Alcyone, was the daughter of Aeolus, King of the Winds. Ceyx and Alcyone were deeply in love and hardly ever apart. Ceyx decided he must make a long journey across the sea to visit an oracle. Alcyone was afraid when she learned of his plans, for she knew how dangerous it could be.
Ceyx insisted that he must make the trip, and he sailed off as his wife watched. That night, a storm broke out and Alcyone feared for the worst. In a dream, it was revealed to her that her husband had drowned in the storm. When she awoke, she went to the shore and saw Ceyx's dead body floating in the water.
She ran into the water to be with him, but instead of sinking and drowning, she was changed into a bird, a kingfisher. The same thing happened to Ceyx, and they flew off together, never to be separated again.
In the winter, there are seven days of calm when there is no fear of storms. These are the days known as Alcyone, or Halcyon Days. Alcyone the sea bird can safely take care of her young during these peaceful days each year that occur around the winter solstice.
Allusions, Word Origins, and Other Interesting Facts
Sources